AIA to create a resilience curriculum for architects

This week, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced that it will create a resilience curriculum for the professional development of architects, including resilient design and decision-making on hazard mitigation, climate adaptation and community resilience. 

The curriculum will include policy and practice-focused resources on AIA.org, research, and training. AIA will also expand existing professional and academic resilience network.

AIA targets phased implementation of the curriculum beginning next year.

“Building codes are a powerful tool architects can use to incorporate lessons learned from natural disasters, technology developments and building science innovation,” said AIA Chief Executive Robert Ivy, FAIA. “Yet we can do more to address the challenges of a changing climate. As we launch this new curriculum, we will be equipping our profession with additional vulnerability assessment, hazard mitigation and design adaptation tools to help them prepare communities to be resilient and adaptable to those challenges.”

The announcement was made at the White House Conference on Resilient Building Codes. The conference was called to discuss the role of building codes in community resilience, explore the economic benefits of resilient design, and consider actions that the Federal government and the private sector can take to advance resilience in the built environment.